Consultation

What is the Purpose of the Consultation?

The doctors at Connecticut Maxillofacial Surgeons are committed to the concept of the consultation appointment. The vast majority of patients seeking healthcare today are primarily interested in obtaining accurate information with regards to their diagnosis, their treatment options and their alternatives to treatment. The consultation appointment is specifically designed to address these important patient concerns.

What Can I Expect At A Consultation Appointment?

Generally speaking, patients contacting Connecticut Maxillofacial Surgeons, L.L.C., for treatment, will be requested to set up a consultation appointment with a doctor to discuss their individual situation. At the initial consultation vital information is collected to aid us in the diagnosis of your problem. The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to establish precisely what the problem is (chief complaint) and how it came to be.

There are a number of avenues available to obtain this information including simply listening to the patient’s description of the problem (and we are good listeners!) However, information generated through detailed health history questionnaires and patient questionnaires appropriate to the area of concern are also important. This information will assist us in conducting a thorough physical examination with specific emphasis on the area of concern. Depending on the circumstances, it may also be necessary to obtain information through other diagnostic tests such as simple X-rays. In any case, the sum of the above information will be used to generate an accurate diagnosis.

At this point it is possible to discuss the proposed treatment plan aimed at addressing the problem as well as any treatment options and alternatives that may be available. The patient is encouraged to ask questions and to become actively involved in determining the treatment option that is most acceptable to them. The discussion may also include how the patient’s medical history will impact their treatment and their options for anesthesia and pain control.

What Are The Advantages Of Having A Consultation Appointment Prior To Treatment?

The consultation appointment can be regarded as a fact finding mission for both the doctor and patient. The doctor has the opportunity to examine the patient, review the medical history and make an accurate diagnosis. The patient has the opportunity to meet the doctor, obtain a diagnosis, and get to know the person who will be responsible for delivering their healthcare. In addition, he or she will be able to learn about the problem, the options available to treat the problem, and participate in finalizing the treatment plan.

Since treatment is usually carried out at a later appointment, the patient need not feel pressured into entering treatment for which they were not prepared. They are able to consider their options and return if further questions arise following the initial appointment. A second opinion, if necessary or requested, can be arranged prior to beginning treatment. Additional benefits to the consultation appointment include having the opportunity to visit the facility and view the environment in which their care will be delivered as well as becoming knowledgeable enough to plan your schedule to accommodate the convalescent period and any anticipated absence from work.

Connecticut Maxillofacial Surgeons, L.L.C., will also offer counseling with regard to insurance and financial matters. Unfortunately, the reality of healthcare today is that fewer and fewer health care benefits are available to patients. Many patient’s are shocked to find out how little coverage they truly have and what in turn becomes their responsibility! We are committed to working with the patient to ensure that they receive the highest quality healthcare delivered in an efficient and cost effective manner.

The Consultation Appointment

The length of the appointment varies depending on the individual patient’s circumstances, but generally we try to allow sufficient time to investigate the problem thoroughly and answer any questions that may arise. If the clinical problem involves a child (who is a minor) we ask that a parent accompany the patient to the appointment.

Family members, especially spouses, are always welcome and encouraged to attend these appointments. In some instances, it may even be possible to render treatment at the same appointment.

About Us

CTMAX is a practice dedicated to the highest level of patient dental and facial aesthetic care. This includes the diagnosis, surgical and aesthetic treatment of disease and defects, in the oral and maxillofacial region - including dental implants and tooth extraction.